(Acts 24:2, KJV [the term providence, here, is pronoias; it is the only such reference in the Bible; and, here, in a secular sense. Of course, the concept of providence is everywhere in the Scriptures] )

Providence is a reference to God in the world (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11). To have a Christian world-view is to believe in purpose on earth (Eccl. 3:1) and transcendentpurpose in heaven (Eccl. 3:11; Isa. 55:8-9). Christ Jesus merges these two concepts (Eph. 1:10); so far as is practical (Deut. 29:29).

Jesus, himself, lived with a strong sense of providence, and encouraged others to do the same (Matt. 5:45; 6:25-34; 10:29-31). Jesus’ view of providence was undoubtedly influenced by his earthly instruction in the Bible. This would have included Psalm 104. This is a long and loud praise of universal providence. It begins and ends with a summons for the individual to recognize and participate in the providence of God. The recurring phrase which marks the beginning and the ending of Ps. 104 is “Bless the LORD, O my soul!” (Ps. 104:1,35). Further resources of providence include: Ps. 33:21; 97:10; Prov. 16:33; 20:24; and Gen. 45:5.

The Kingdom of God is an excellent context for discussing DivineProvidence. Kingdom is about God in history (Lk. 10:11). The perception of God in history will influence how one characteristically looks outward on the universe.